On this day: January 2

The Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial begins, the Jets give Namath a record contract, Nixon lowers the nation's maximum speed limit to 55, and oil tops $100 a barrel for the first time, all on this day.

16 / 25

Alexander Mokletsov/Wikimedia Commons

1959: Luna 1, the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the moon and to orbit the sun, is launched by the Soviet Union.

Comments

The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.